Otakuism

So the final volume of Genshiken came out in English a couple weeks ago and I finally got my hands on it to read recently. This final volume is a perfect send-off for the series, with the return of old characters and plots while providing just the right amount of closure.

The best part of this volume was probably the return of Sue and her hilarious antics. Angela forces Ogiue to stay with Sue for a night to see just how weird Sue can get, from speaking random Japanese to stealing Ogiue’s panties (the best running joke of the series). Aside from all the jokes there’s also a great emotional bond formed between Ogiue and Sue. The two together are definitely a double-moe knockout. Ogiue also takes her first step towards being an actual manga artist and it was nice to see her developing to be more passionate about her art.

This volume also featured the culmination of Madarame and Saki’s forbidden relationship, at least in Madarame’s eyes. He never gets up the nerve to confess to Saki, but instead chooses to appreciate the strong friendship he’s formed with her. I find something very admirable in Madarame’s stoic resignation of his love, and hope he’ll be able to hook up with someone someday. Angela would do him good.

The second to last chapter features no words at all, just scenes of the gang having fun and reflected. You really have to appreciate Genshiken’s powerful storytelling in that it doesn’t even need words to convey its powerful emotions. Kio Shimoku’s work here in these final chapters is truly beautiful. And now it’s time for the final chapter, where much tears are shed and goodbye’s are said. It’s very much a “life goes on” ending, which is the best you can get from a manga like Genshiken. The reappearance of the spying from the other room gag was a nice way to bring things full circle. Ogiue was also made President! Moe-est president ever.

Genshiken is definitely one of my favorite manga’s. Nothing else has come so close to accurately portraying the otaku lifestyle. While the relationships in the second half may have diluted this theme, it seems natural to me that as people grow older new relationships open up and become important. Hobbies become more a part of our life rather than consuming it. I really hope the final chapters of Genshiken are animated soon, as these really are some of the best parts of the show and I want to see how the studio would put their unique twist on them. Even more Ogiue fanservice please.